From what I understand, it is used as part of a series of procedures to try to provide relief. One of the things it does is it allows them verify exactly what nerves are part of the equation.

Good news is that about 90% of people respond at some point to this series, so the odds are ever if your favor. It also includes more and more invasive procedures if you don't get relief. I have not had it done - I was told my spine is too far along in its destruction.

Yadlim and Misha

I've had one in my neck a few years ago. Epidural steroid injections & nerve blocks/facet injections are usually done in a series of three, but the radiofrequency ablation-what mine was called, also called a rhizotomy- is only done once as far as I know. They do it under xray/flouroscopy. I was awake to tell them when I felt them touch the nerve. It's been 3yrs so maybe things have changed since then. The nerves do grow back after a while-a few months to over a year I think- so if it works it can be done again later if the pain comes back.

They burn the nerve to stop the pain signals to the brain. Just make sure you find a good practitioner with a lot of experience. I didn't have a great experience with mine and should've done more research on my Dr and the procedure itself before having it done. The frequency was too high & my nerve was damaged. It took almost 5mo for the sensitivity to fade to the point of letting the water from a shower touch my neck.

Just like with the injections, some people respond well and some don't.

Good luck!
Emerald

good luck hope it is answer you need

Thanks Yadlim (and MIsha) and Emerald. As far as I know, it's a lesser known and used procedure. I suffer from neck pain and I've had cortisone and anesthetics injected in my neck and spine, but I've never had this procedure done and I don't even know if it's done in my neck of the woods. I can ask my GP but he might not know either.
Mat

Thanks Jen. I'm getting a wealth of information here!
I think even if it stops the pain for 6 month, it's worth to consider.
I will talk to my GP and see what he thinks.
Mat